COLOURFUL decorations, delicious cakes and sandwiches and larger-than-life hats transformed Swan Hill’s Visitor and Community Comfort Centre for the Biggest Morning Tea last Tuesday.
The cause of cancer research received a fundraising boost through this year’s theme, the Mad Hatter’s tea party.
Guests listened to McGrath Foundation breast care nurse Leanne Bibby speak about services available in Swan Hill before enjoying morning tea.
They designed intricately decorated hats for the occasion.
Ms Bibby along with Swan Hill District Health cancer care co-ordinator Emma Brown have been touring the Biggest Morning Tea events in the area to help people navigate local cancer care services.
“We’re always trying to push more services in Swan Hill,” Ms Bibby said. “Emma Brown and I are only two people but we’re passionate about what we can do to make sure locals get support.
“We’re still getting the word out there about our new services.”
Services available in Swan Hill include a wig service and library where women can buy or borrow a wig to conceal hair loss.
“You don’t have to have cancer to access one of our wigs, it can be any medical condition that has resulted in significant hair loss,” Ms Bibby said.
Other cancer services available are monthly support groups, and a permanent breast screening clinic in Splatt Street, which has replaced the mobile screening service van.
“I’m really happy to see that Swan Hill has moved to a permanent service, because we have certainly needed one for a long time here,” Ms Bibby said.
The breast screening clinic is open every Wednesday for free mammograms.
Ms Bibby said having a permanent clinic in Swan Hill had resulted in less travel for women to do a mammogram.
“Two years ago, when the breast screen van came to Swan Hill, I remember having 50 new clients shortly after that,” Ms Bibby said.
“There were so many women in Swan Hill wanting to get screened, a percentage of them had to travel to Bendigo to be recalled or to have assessments.
“It puts pressure back on that service in Bendigo, because everyone is going there.”
While progress is being made to have more health care services made available locally, people in the Swan Hill region still have to travel to Bendigo, Melbourne, or Echuca to access certain services.
“We still try to help people whenever we can,” Ms Bibby said.
“Even if it’s with travel vouchers donated from a local business, because travel costs are still a big concern for people.”
Swan Hill Mayor Stuart King also shared a cuppa along with councillors Jacquie Kelly and Les McPhee at the centre.
“It’s a great way for people to come together,” Cr King said.
“It’s not only raised awareness of the services available in the area, but also raised the profile of this centre so more people are aware of it and that they can drop in any time, and clearly Beryl wouldn’t mind having a chat.”
